Picture this: it’s the late 1960s, and the world is buzzing with the vibrant energy of change. Bell-bottoms sway, Motown hits fill the air, and in Lynwood, California, a bright-eyed boy named Christopher Vollentine—later to become Corey Chambers — enters the scene. Born into the groovy heart of the decade, Corey’s story is one of curiosity, hustle, and a knack for embracing the future, all while staying rooted in the warmth of community and family. From the streets of Compton to the tech-savvy world of real estate innovation, his journey is a nostalgic, feel-good tale of a kid who read early, dreamed big, and never stopped chasing the next adventure. | COMMENT
Growing up in Compton, Norwalk, Long Beach, and Orange County, young Chris soaked in the diverse, colorful tapestry of Southern California. The neighborhoods were alive with the hum of possibility, and at D.D. Johnston Elementary School, he found a place to shine. A good school, as Corey recalls, it was where his love for learning took root. By kindergarten, he was already decoding words, and by first grade, he was reading with the confidence of a seasoned scholar. English became his playground, a place where his imagination could run wild, crafting stories and ideas that hinted at the creative force he’d become. Even more fun than reading was learning to train the family pet, the puppy that grew into a gentle giant of an award-winning Saint Bernard show dog named Bingo.
But Chris Vollentine wasn’t just a bookworm—he was a doer. As a kid, he hit the streets, going door to door to sell greeting cards, seeds, and catalog products, raising money for charities and school projects. His entrepreneurial spirit was undeniable, fueled by a drive to connect with people and make a difference. By high school, he was doubling stock prices as Vice President of Finance for a Junior Achievement company, a feat he pulled off in just three months. He served as Youth Commissioner for Cypress and Buena Park, giving voice to his peers, and took on the role of Parliamentarian for the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). His knack for electronics was evident too, scoring an impressive 90 on the ASVAB electronics test and diving into ROP Electronics courses with enthusiasm.
It was the late 1970s when a pivotal moment arrived, one that would spark a lifelong love affair with technology. At just 12 years old, Chris stepped into the Byte Shop in 1978, where the Apple II computer sat like a beacon of the future. As he recounts in his heartfelt reflection, How the Apple II Made Me Feel: An Intimate Journey Through Time at the 1978 Byte Shop, the experience was nothing short of magical. “The Apple II wasn’t just a machine; it was a portal,” he writes, describing how its colorful display and clunky keyboard opened up a world of possibilities. For a kid who’d already taught himself to read, this was a new language to master—one of code and innovation that would shape his path for decades.
That same drive carried him to another milestone at 14, when he earned a COBOL programming certificate through the Explorer Scouts Data Processing Program, thanks to a partnership with Petrolane. As detailed in How Young Corey Chambers Explored the Future Thanks to Petrolane, COBOL, and the Next Generation of Tech Trailblazers, this was no small feat. COBOL, the language of business computing, was his ticket to understanding the systems powering the world. He wasn’t just learning to code; he was learning to think like a trailblazer, piecing together how technology could solve real-world problems.
Fast forward to his 20s, and Christopher Vollentine faced a practical challenge: his last name was a mouthful, tough to spell and re-spell in a world increasingly shaped by quick communication. At 29, he chose the name Corey Chambers—simple, memorable, and, as a marketing focus group confirmed, a winner. The legal name change, prompted by post-9/11 identity laws, was more than a bureaucratic necessity; it was a reinvention, a nod to his ability to adapt and evolve.
Today, as the founder of Entar Real Estate and Financial Tech, Corey is a visionary blending his tech-savvy roots with a passion for helping people. His bio on entar.com paints a picture of a man who’s worn many hats—U.S. Air Force Information Systems Specialist, marketing guru, philanthropist, and real estate innovator. He’s raised thousands for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, produced groundbreaking radio and TV shows, and now leads a company poised to revolutionize real estate with blockchain and AI. His guarantee to home sellers—“Your Home Sold, GUARANTEED, or I’ll Buy It For Cash!”—is a testament to his confidence and commitment.
But beneath the accolades and achievements, Corey remains that kid who was known as Chris Vollentine from Compton who could read the newspaper by first grade, sold chocolates with his family, and marveled at the Apple II’s glowing screen. His story is a love letter to the groovy 1960s, to the communities that shaped him, and to the endless possibilities of a curious mind. As he puts it, “The future is about connection—between people, ideas, and technology.” And with every step, Corey Chambers is building those connections, one cheerful, sentimental moment at a time. Whether you’re a childhood friend of little Chris, or a real estate client of grown-up Corey, you can get in touch by leaving a comment or by calling 213-880-9910.
